COVID updates - 23 March 2022

COVID-19 Response Update from Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet FYI - Wednesday, 23 March Key things to note: • From 11:59pm on Friday 25 March 2022 the traffic light system is changing.

• Changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, known as the traffic light system, were announced today.

• The COVID-19 Protection Framework is being kept in place.

• My Vaccine Pass will no longer be required.

• QR Codes and mandatory record keeping will no longer be required.

• From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, some government vaccine mandates for workers will be removed.

• A review of the colour settings will take place on 4 April.

• There are 19,649 new cases in the community and 43 new cases identified at the border.

• A total of 11 deaths were reported today.

Update on Changes to COVID-19 settings • New Zealand’s successful management of the Omicron outbreak and high rates of vaccination mean it’s now safe to ease the restrictions that have successfully prevented widespread health and economic damage.

• The focus now is to make life simpler and closer to normal but retain the things that are most effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting people.

• The COVID-19 Protection Framework will be simpler. It will help us manage life with Omicron while reducing the impact of future outbreaks.

Changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework will come into place from 11:59pm this Friday 25 March. Changes to different colour settings include: •

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Red Setting o There will be no limits for outdoor activities, such as gatherings and events, and food and drink businesses. My Vaccine Passes must be used until 11:59pm on 4 April. o 200-person limit for indoor gatherings and events with My Vaccine Pass. o Masks still required in most indoor settings, but not outdoors. o No requirement to scan a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.

Orange Setting o No limit for outdoor gatherings. o No limit for indoor gatherings. o Face masks required in most indoor settings, but not outdoors. o No requirement to scan a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.

Green Setting o No restrictions. o People are encouraged to wear face masks and keep up good health behaviours. o No requirement to scan a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.

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The COVID-19 Protection Framework – or traffic light system remains in place in order to offer ongoing protection in the event of a new variant or in case of future surges cases.

From 11:59pm Monday 4 April, My Vaccine Passes will no longer be required.

There will be some business, events or venues which may still wish to use them, and they can do so if they wish.

Should there be a new variant or a change in circumstances, they may be needed again.

From 11:59pm this Friday 25 March scanning will no longer be required.

Businesses and locations will no longer need to display QR code posters or have mandatory record keeping systems and processes in place.

People are encouraged not to remove the COVID-19 tracer app from their phone just yet.

From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, some government vaccine mandates for workers will be removed.

Workers that will still be covered by a government vaccine mandate include: o Health and disability sector workers o Prison staff o Border and MIQ workers Vaccine mandates remain in place for these sectors because workers in these areas have a high level of contact with people at risk of developing serious illness from COVID19. For border workers, there is a high risk of exposure to new variants.

Businesses will be able to voluntarily introduce workforce vaccination requirements if appropriate to the workforce.

A review of the colour settings will take place on 4 April.

All of New Zealand currently remains at the Red setting.

Places of Worship

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With today’s announcement the current guidance will remain the same, aside from the following changes which come into effect at 11:59pm Friday 25 March 2022. o Indoor capacity limits where My Vaccine Pass is used increase up to 200 (or less based on 1m distancing) and with no limit outdoor. o Where My Vaccine Pass is not required, limits remain at 25 (or less based on 1m distancing). o Locations will no longer need to display QR code posters or have mandatory record system and processes in place.

An updated and refreshed guidance document will be sent out ahead of changes to the traffic light system on the 4 April 2022.

For more information visit Faith-based gatherings at Red | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)

Health Update – Hospitalisations, cases, and testing • There are currently 960 people in hospitals across New Zealand.

• 31 cases are in high dependency or intensive care units.

• A total of 11 deaths were reported today. These deaths take the total number of publicly reported COVID related deaths to 210 and the 7–day rolling average of reported death to 9.

• There are 19,649 new cases in the community and 43 new cases identified at the border.

• 438 cases were identified through PCR testing and 19,649 via RAT in the last 24 hours.

Vaccinations • Yesterday 3,972 booster doses were administered in New Zealand.

• The total number of people who have received boosters – including those vaccinated overseas – is 2,559,899 boosted (72.8% of those eligible).

• 95.1% of eligible people in New Zealand have had two vaccine doses.

• Vaccines administered in New Zealand yesterday. 194 first doses, 388 second doses, 29 third primary doses.

• People vaccinated (including those vaccinated overseas): All Ethnicities (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 4,054,234 first dose (96.3%): 4,001,315 second dose (95.1%), 2,559,899 boosted (72.8% of those eligible).

• 208 paediatric first doses and 4,028 paediatric second doses were administered yesterday.

• To date 257,404 paediatric first doses and 48,185 paediatric second doses have been administered in New Zealand.

Information in other languages and alternate formats • You can find a wide variety of COVID-19 information in 27 languages and 4 alternate formats on the Unite Against COVID-19 website. Key information includes: • COVID-19 Our Isolation Plan • Getting your booster dose • Protecting your tamariki from COVID-19 • Wearing a face mask • Testing • Support for if you get COVID-19 • Support for individuals and families • We will continue to update our translated information as the situation develops.